Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, congratulate Deputy Catherine Martin for tabling this important motion. She has put a lot of work into it. It is a great evening to be an elected Member of this Dáil given the unanimity on the motion. The birth of a baby, whether born prematurely or at the correct time, is a joy and a wonder. It is a treasure for the parents to see a young baby come into the world. Today is a positive day given that we are speaking about protecting and saving a 23 week old baby rather than having motions and attempts to provide for abortion and getting rid of a little baby at that very same age. Parents who have a premature baby experience an emotional pressure as they hope and pray for the baby to live. There is also a financial pressure. We must look at the law as it is and ensure that parents are supported and mothers are given the time to recover at home and bond with their baby, which is very important. It was very moving to see the slide in the AV room today of Baby Patrick who was born perhaps only 1 lb in weight. That baby lived and is now three years old. I fully support the motion and again thank Deputy Catherine Martin for tabling it.

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